The next generation of innovative conservation leaders are now emerging from our colleges, universities, and research organizations, and they are out to change the world. This online discussion was with Colorado College students and recent graduates who are out on the water, in the water, and in dialogue with senior federal decision makers. We heard several of their tales, and learned how an upcoming conference will bring some of our brightest young conservation innovators together to share their dreams and experiences.

Will Stauffer-Norris and Zak Podmoretold us more about their journey in kayaks and rafts along the length of the Colorado River, from the Green River in Wyoming to Mexico's Sea of Cortez, and how they shared their findings — and their call to action to save the Colorado River — with US Department of Interior officials in Washington, DC. Check out ﻿﻿the YouTube Video: "A Paddler's Perspective on the Colorado River Delta" (from the State of the Rockies program) featuring Will Stauffer-Norris and Zak Podmore.

Colorado College (CC) staffer Brendan Boepple was also on hand to explain how their adventure forms an integral part of CC's innovative State of the Rockies program. Click here to check out Brendan's slide presentation.

In addition, Philip Nyhus, Associate Professor with the Environmental Studies Program at Colby College, and Ginny Keesler, a senior at Colby, described the conference they are now organizing for March 1, 2013, on "Students as Conservation Catalysts." The conference will bring together a cadre of students from the US and abroad to offer their most inventive ideas for advancing large landscape conservation initiatives in North America and beyond. Click here to check out the presentation by Philip Nyhus & Virginia Keesler during the webinar and visit the Colby College website for more information on the upcoming conference and how you can participate.

The session was moderated by James Levitt, Director of the Program on Conservation Innovation at the Harvard Forest, Harvard University, and a Fellow at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy in Cambridge, Massachusetts.